CREATING FAMILY FRIENDLY POSTERS
TO SOLICIT IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS, CONCERNS, AND
INFORMATION FROM PARENTS1
Create a “Family Friendly” poster for your program to solicit ideas, suggestions,
concerns, and important information related to different issues and program
areas. Decorate the posters by hand or on the computer, using a catchy theme.
To add appeal to parents, invite children to help decorate the poster. Place the
poster near the entrance of your program where parents can see it daily. Three
sample posters are provided on the following pages.
Sample One. This poster uses a music motif and the phrase “Help Us Stay in
Tune with Your Needs and Interests” to solicit parent input in nine different areas.
This poster could remain up throughout the year as a reminder that you’re always
open to listening to parents.
Sample Two. This poster uses a puzzle motif and the phrase “Help Us Match up
with Your Needs and Interests” to solicit parent input related to four selected
areas. Again, this poster could be displayed for a month or two, and then
replaced with a fresh poster related to other areas.
Sample Three. This version uses a train motif and the phrase “Help Us Stay on
Track to Serve You Better,” to solicit parent input related to four selected areas.
This poster could be displayed for a month or two, and then replaced with a fresh
poster related to other areas you want to emphasize.
Additional Tips
 You will notice that Version One of the poster requests parent input in nine
different areas. Rather than listing all nine areas on one poster you may
want to create a different poster for each area. Then use the posters to
decorate a hallway or a wall near the parent bulletin board. OR, display a
different poster each month. That way, you’ll keep introducing new ways
parents can provide feedback throughout the year!
 Along with suggesting areas for parent input, be sure to emphasize your
commitment to building relationships with parents on every poster, using
1
Excerpted and adapted with permission from Roberta L. Newman, Building Relationships with Parents
and Families in School-Age Programs, 2nd Edition, Revised. New Albany, OH: School-Age NOTES,
2008. (Originally published in conjunction with Work/Family Directions, Boston, MA, AT&T Family
Development Fund.) Pages 81 – 84.
some of the phrasing on the samples (e.g. “We have a commitment to
family friendly service.” “We want to build positive relationships with all
our families. Help us achieve our goal!” “Visit whenever you can – you
are always welcome!”
 Pick a motif or theme for decorating each poster. For example, in addition
to the motifs used in the samples, you might on other themes such as:
Help Us “Stay in Touch” (Use hand motifs), Help Us “Build Connections”
(Various building motifs), “Help Us Stay in Gear” (Connecting cog and
gear motifs).
WE HAVE A COMMITMENT
TO FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE......
To Keep Our Commitment We Need Your Help
Throughout the Year!
Help Us Stay in Tune with Your Needs and Interests

Tell us about your day when you pick up your child.

Help us learn about your child’s special talents and strengths.

Tell us when your child needs extra help or support.

Keep us informed about any important changes we need
to know about to serve you well.

Let us know about your family and cultural traditions.

Make suggestions when you think we could serve you
better.

Ask us questions if you don’t understand our policies
and procedures.

Tell us how you would like to connect with your child’s
experience in the program.
VISIT WHENEVER YOU CAN - YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
We want to build positive relationships with all our families...
Help us achieve this goal!
PARENTS!
HELP US MATCH UP WITH YOUR NEEDS AND INTERESTS!
Tell us about your day when you pick up your child.
Help us learn about your child’s talents and interests.
Let us know about your family and cultural
traditions.
Tell us how you would like to connect with your
child’s experience in the program.
We want to build positive relationships with all our
families...
Help us achieve this goal!
VISIT WHENEVER YOU CAN - YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
GET ON BOARD PARENTS!
HELP US STAY ON TRACK TO SERVE YOU BETTER!
WE WANT TO BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL OUR FAMILIES!
HELP US ACHIEVE THIS GOAL!
 Tell us when your child needs extra help or support.
 Keep us informed about any important changes we need to
know about to serve you well.
 Make suggestions when you think we could serve you better.
 Ask us questions if you don’t understand our policies and
procedures.
VISIT WHENEVER YOU CAN - YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!